Dynamic image content overlaying

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for dynamic image content overlaying are disclosed. In embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises analyzing one or more digital image frames for the presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays a dynamic image space on a display object and includes a content identifier and a contour mesh; determining the content identifier; retrieving select image content based on the content identifier; determining an orientation of the dynamic image space; transforming the select image content to produce transformed image content that matches the contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic image space; and replacing the placeholder with the transformed image content to produce a set of one or more embedded image frames.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to embedding content intodigital images and, more particularly, to dynamic image contentoverlaying.

With the rise in popularity of digital video recording devices (DVRs),subscription-based television programming, and different media viewingoptions, sponsors (advertisers) are looking for alternatives toconventional television advertising blocks. One option for sponsors isembedded advertising, wherein a product or logo associated with thesponsor is used in the making of a video (e.g., television show). Therehave been some attempts to make embedded advertising more versatile bydigitally embedding advertising content into a video duringpost-production. However, problems exist with respect to insertingcustomized advertising content on three dimensional advertising objectsor display objects in motion within a video. Digital billboards andprojected advertising are other options utilized by advertisers;however, these methods do not address the idea of allowing dynamic andcustomized advertising on wearable clothing or objects in motion.

In the world of sports, athletes often exhibit branding pertaining totheir sponsors. This is especially evident in automobile racing, bicyclemotocross (BMX) racing, professional skiing events, golf and tennis.This branding is typically affixed to the bikes, racecars, uniforms,hats, gloves, shoes, or other articles where a spectator's attention,and especially a video camera, may be trained. Excepting broadlyrecognized brands, such branding often has very narrow recognition andimpact, especially widely in broadcast events. Also, the real estate fordisplaying such branding is quite limited. Some venues use computerizeddisplay billboards to address the real estate issue, but this “onemessage for all” still limits the issue of resonance with a particularaudience. Moreover, it many cases it may be undesirable to constrainadvertising to a physical billboard.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method includes:analyzing, by a computing device, one or more digital image frames forthe presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays adynamic image space on a display object and includes a contentidentifier and a contour mesh; determining, by the computing device, thecontent identifier; retrieving, by the computing device, select imagecontent based on the content identifier; determining, by the computingdevice, an orientation of the dynamic image space; transforming, by thecomputing device, the select image content to produce transformed imagecontent that matches the contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamicimage space; and replacing, by the computing device, the placeholderwith the transformed image content to produce a set of one or moreembedded image frames.

In another aspect of the invention, there is a computer program productfor dynamic image content overlay. The computer program productcomprises a computer readable storage medium having program instructionsembodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by acomputing device to cause the computing device to: analyze a digitalvideo stream for the presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholderoverlays a dynamic image space on a display object and includes acontent identifier and a contour mesh; determine the content identifier;retrieve select image content from a content database based on thecontent identifier; determine an orientation of the dynamic image space;transform the select image content to produce transformed image contentthat matches the contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic imagespace; and replace the placeholder with the transformed image content toproduce an embedded digital video stream.

In another aspect of the invention, there is a system for dynamic imagecontent overlay The system includes a CPU, a computer readable memoryand a computer readable storage medium associated with a computingdevice; program instructions to record a digital image stream of amoving display object, the digital image stream comprises frames;program instructions to analyze the digital video stream in real timeduring the recording for the presence of a placeholder, wherein theplaceholder overlays a dynamic image space on the display object andincludes a content identifier and a contour mesh; program instructionsto determine the content identifier; program instructions to retrieveselect image content from a content database based on the contentidentifier; program instructions to determine an orientation of thedynamic image space for each frame of the digital image stream in whichthe placeholder is present; program instructions to transform the selectimage content to produce transformed image content that matches acontour mesh and an orientation of the dynamic image space for eachframe of the digital image stream in which the placeholder is present;and program instructions to replace the placeholder with the transformedimage content for each frame of the digital image stream in which theplaceholder is present to produce an embedded digital video stream. Theprogram instructions are stored on the computer readable storage mediumfor execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in the detailed description whichfollows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a computing infrastructure according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary environment in accordance with aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows an image placeholder in accordance with aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 4 shows image placeholders of the present invention on a displayobject.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flowchart of steps of a method in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show processed images of the display object of FIG. 4,wherein the images are different from one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates generally to embedding content intodigital images and, more particularly, to dynamic image contentoverlaying. In embodiments, a system and method is provided that opensup new opportunities in branding and advertising through the use ofcontextual branding that can be digitally superimposed on allocateddisplay real estate that is worn or utilized in a recorded or streamingevent, such as a sporting event. In aspects, special markers or glyphsand a mesh showing where the advertisement or branding would bedigitally replaced or superimposed delineates the real estate fordynamic advertisement. These markers are recognized in a digital videofile via computer methods, and processed in real time (for live events)or post-processed (e.g., for print, rebroadcast or other media) so thatthe appropriate branding/advertisement (e.g., branding/advertisementtargeted for particular audience) is inserted into the digital videofile. For example, branding may be superimposed over dynamic imagespaces when images of a sporting event are run through special softwarein a smart photography camera, smart video camera or in video processingat a broadcast studio.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a computinginfrastructure is shown. Computing infrastructure 10 is only one exampleof a suitable computing infrastructure and is not intended to suggestany limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments ofthe invention described herein. Regardless, computing infrastructure 10is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of thefunctionality set forth hereinabove.

In computing infrastructure 10 there is a computer system (or server)12, which is operational with numerous other general purpose or specialpurpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples ofwell-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations thatmay be suitable for use with computer system 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system 12 may be described in the general context of computersystem executable instructions, such as program modules, being executedby a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines,programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.Computer system 12 may be practiced in distributed cloud computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloudcomputing environment, program modules may be located in both local andremote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system 12 in computing infrastructure 10 isshown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The componentsof computer system 12 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessors or processing units (e.g., CPU) 16, a system memory 28, and abus 18 that couples various system components including system memory 28to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system 12 typically includes a variety of computer systemreadable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessibleby computer system 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a nonremovable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enablecomputer system 12 to communicate with one or more other computingdevices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces22. Still yet, computer system 12 can communicate with one or morenetworks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network(WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system 12 via bus 18. It should be understoodthat although not shown, other hardware and/or software components couldbe used in conjunction with computer system 12. Examples, include, butare not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processingunits, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and dataarchival storage systems, etc.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary environment in accordance with aspects of theinvention. The environment includes an image or video content providerserver 50 (hereafter provider server 50) connected to a network 52. Theprovider server 50 may comprise a computer system 12 of FIG. 1, and maybe connected to the network 52 via the network adapter 20 of FIG. 1. Theprovider server 50 may be configured as a special purpose computingdevice. For example, the provider server 50 may be configured to receiveselected sponsor or advertising images (hereafter select image content)from a content database 54 of a sponsor server 56, via the network 52,and save the select image content in a select content database 58. Inaspects, the provider server 50 selectively maps the select imagecontent to available dynamic image spaces 70 a, 70 b of a display object72 (e.g., an automobile, a billboard, a blimp, the side of a curb,etc.), utilizing a mapping module 60. The image content can be anadvertising image, such as a logo, trademark, or any other imagery thata sponsor or the like wishes to embed into a video or image file orvideo or image stream. As used herein, the term dynamic image space isintended to mean a predefined space (e.g., space 70 a) on a displayobject or portion of an object (e.g., a race car 72) whose image is orwill be captured, and on which sponsor content may be superimposed toprovide for dynamically embedded video or image content.

The network 52 may be any suitable communication network or combinationof networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet). The sponsorserver 56 may be a general purpose computing device, such as a desktopcomputer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc. Inembodiments, the sponsor server 56 utilizes its own mapping module 60′to map select image content from the content database 54 to one or moredynamic image spaces 70 a, 70 b.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the mapping modules 60, 60′ may include oneor more program modules (e.g., program module 42 of FIG. 1) executed bythe provider server 50 or sponsor server 56. In embodiments, the mappingmodule 60, 60′is configured to match a unique image content identifierwith a dynamic image space identifier.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in aspects, an image processor 80 incommunication with one or more mapping modules 60, 60′ (such as throughnetwork 52) includes an orientation module 82, a dynamic image database84 and a glyph rules database 86. In aspects, the image processor 80includes its own select content database 58′ for storing select imagecontent therein. The image processor 80 may be a special computingdevice including elements of computer device 12. The image processor 80may be part of an image recording device (e.g., professional videorecording device, smart phone, etc.), or may be in communication with animage recording device 90, such as through network 52. In embodiments,an image or video recording of a display object 72 generated by theimage recording device (e.g., image recording device 90) is processed bythe image processor 80 to incorporate select image content from theselect image content database 58, 58′into one or more image frames tocreate digitally embedded image content. The resulting image file withembedded image content may be broadcast or streamed to one or moreviewer devices 92-94, such as through network 52. The viewer devices92-94 may be general purpose computing devices, such as desktopcomputers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smart phones, etc., andmay include components of computer device 12.

FIG. 3 depicts an image placeholder 100, which is placed over a dynamicimage space (represented at 70 c in FIG. 4), and is utilized by theimage processor 80 in accordance with image processing methods of thepresent invention. In embodiments, the placeholder 100 is physicallypresent on the display object (e.g., display object 72′ in FIG. 4). Forexample, placeholder 100 may be painted on an automobile, or printed ona t-shirt or other clothing, ironed onto a display object, applied as adecal on a surface of the display object 72, 72′, etc. One or moreplaceholder (e.g., 100, 100′) may be present on a display object, asdepicted in FIG. 4.

In embodiments, the placeholder (e.g., 100, 100′) comprises a contourmesh (represented at 104 in FIG. 3) with one or more corner glyphs (106a-106 d). As used herein, the term “glyph” means a marker comprising acharacter or symbol. The corner glyphs 106 a-106 d may be differentdimensions and scales, depending on their use. The contour mesh 104 isutilized during processing of an image file to transform select imagecontent (e.g., a logo) to match contours and skew of the display object(e.g., 72, 72′) defining the dynamic image space (e.g., 70 a, 70 b). Inthis way, the transformed select image content will follow twists andturns of the display object such that portions of the select imagecontent may be visually obscured or otherwise appear as if thetransformed select image is actually located on the display object. Asingle corner glyph (e.g., 106 a) contains the information necessary todetermine the content intended for the dynamic image space (e.g., 70 a,70 b), the dimensions of the dynamic image space, and the orientation ofthe advertising space. Further, each corner glyph (e.g., 106 a) isuniquely identifiable even when rotated. In the scenario where multiplecorner glyphs (e.g., 106 a-106 d) are used (e.g., on the hood of a racecar), having at least one corner glyph visible to an image recordingdevice 90 is sufficient for the image processor 80 to obtain necessaryinformation regarding the dynamic image space (e.g., 70 a, 70 b).Depending on the display object bearing the placeholder (e.g., objectcurvature, size, shape, etc.), a single corner glyph (e.g., 106 a) canbe utilized, or two-four corner glyphs (e.g., 106 a-106 d) can beutilized. For example, on the sleeve of an athlete's jersey, if there isnot sufficient space for all four glyphs (106 a-106 d), then only asingle corner glyph (e.g., 106 a) may be utilized.

Each glyph 106 a-106 d comprises a content identifier 102, which is alogical identifier used to represent a single piece of content or seriesof content, which can be a single brand, an athlete, a team, anathlete-brand combination, a rotating series of products, etc. Thecontent identifier 102 is used during image processing of the dynamicimage space (e.g., 70 a, 70 b) to determine which select image contentshould occupy the placeholder space. In a simple case, a single contentidentifier 102 maps to a single image (e.g., a sponsor company's logo).In a more complex example, a single content identifier 102 can representperiodically changing content. By way of example, content identifier 102can map to a rotating sequence of images corresponding to a company'sproducts.

In aspects, each corner glyph 106 a-106 d comprises two dimension lines108 a, 108 b, with respective end caps 110 a, 110 b. Each dimension line108 a, 108 b depicts a relative height and width of the associateddynamic image space (e.g., 70 a, 70 b), and therefore, any content to besuperimposed thereon. For example, one dimension line can be twice thelength of the other dimension line to represent a content image to besuperimposed thereon that is twice as wide as it is tall. The end caps110 a, 110 b allow the image processor 80 to determine whether theentire dimension line 108 a, 108 b is visible in a video or image frame.

In aspects, each corner glyph 106 a-106 d includes one or more scalemarks indicated at 112 in FIG. 3. Scale marks 112 define a factor bywhich to size select image content relative to the dimension lines 108a, 108 b. Interpreting the scale marks 112 can be done in a flexible wayduring image processing. For example, scale marks 112 may be interpretedas “3×” scale. In other example, the image processor 80 can treat onenotch=2× scale, two notches=5× scale, three notches=10× scale, orwhatever scale is appropriate for a given situation and display object(e.g., 72, 72′).

Glyph uniqueness is determined based on relative locations of elementswithin the glyph, and specifically, the position of content identifier102 relative to the dimension lines 108 a, 108 b. For example, ifoptical character recognition (OCR) processing by image processor 80detects a content identifier 102, then by adjusting for any rotation ofcontent identifier 102 and factoring in the relative placement ofdimension lines 108 a, 108 b against the content identifier 102, each ofthe four corner glyphs 106 a-106 d can be uniquely identified. Thebottom right corner glyph 106 c, in this example, would have dimensionlines located to the bottom and right of the content identifier “47”after accounting for rotation.

If an event being recorded has a live audience, the glyphs (e.g., 106a-106 d), content identifier 102 and mesh 104 may be embedded in adefault content image using conventional technology that is invisible tohuman eyes and visible with digital cameras. In this scenario, a liveaudience will see the default content image (e.g., company logo) only,while the glyphs 106 a-106 d, mesh 104 and content identifier 102 wouldbe visible to the image processor.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flowchart of a method in accordance with aspectsof the invention. Steps of the method of FIGS. 5A and 5B may beperformed in the environment illustrated in FIG. 2, and utilizing theplaceholder 100 of FIG. 3, and are described with reference to elementsshown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

At an optional first step 300, a video content provider (e.g., owner ofvideo content provider server 50) negotiates with one or more sponsors(e.g., owner of sponsor server 56), to match select image content (e.g.,ad or logo) from a content database 54 with one or more availabledynamic image spaces (e.g., 70 a, 70 b). The select image content isthen stored in the selected content database 72 of the image processor70.

At step 302, the mapping module 58, 58′ performs a mapping function tomap identifiers of dynamic image space to select image content, and themapping data is stored in a database (not shown) of the mapping module60, 60′, or in the dynamic imaging database 84.

At step 304, an image recordation event commences, wherein at least onedisplay object 72, 72′ having one or more predefined dynamic imagespaces 70 a, 70 b is recorded. This image recording may be obtainedthrough a professional image recording device 90, for example. Digitalimages contemplated for use in the present invention could be a singledigital image frame or multiple digital image frames. It should beunderstood that steps 306-320 discussed below may be performed for eachframe in a digital video stream, such that a resultant embedded digitalvideo stream may include embedded select image content in a plurality offrames.

At step 306, the image processor 80 analyzes image data of the imagerecorded at step 304 to detect the presence of one or more placeholders100, 100′. In aspects of the invention, the image processor 80 utilizesOCR processing to recognize a content identifier (e.g., 102), andthereby recognize the presence of a placeholder (e.g., 100, 100′).

If no placeholders 100, 100′ are detected at step 306, then at step 308the embedded content processing of the present invention ends. If one ormore placeholders 100, 100′ are detected at step 306, then the embeddedcontent processing of the present invention continues at step 310, asshown in FIG. 5B.

More specifically, at step 310, the image processor 80 identifies acontent identifier (e.g., 102 in FIG. 4) associated with eachplaceholder 100, 100′. The step of determining the content identifiermay be accomplished using conventional processing methods, such as OCRprocessing. For example, OCR processing can be utilized to recognize thecontent identifier 100 of “47” depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

At step 312, the image processor 80 retrieves select image content forthe determined content identifier 102. In aspects, image processor 80accesses a database of a mapping module (e.g., 60, 60′) to determinewhich select image content is a match for the content identifierdetermined (e.g., 102) at step 310. In embodiments, the image processor80 accesses the dynamic image database 84 to retrieve the select imagecontent for the identifier 102.

In aspects, the glyph rules database 86 may also be utilized todetermine which select image content to retrieve based on predefinedrules stored therein. Rules may include, for example, rules regardingviewer locations, viewer device types, time zones, language preferences,advertising costs, etc. In one example, the glyphs rules database 86includes rules to use a first type of branding for a broadcast intendedfor a first geographic region (e.g., a broadcast within the UnitedStates), and rules to use a second type of branding for a broadcastintended for a second geographic region (e.g., a broadcast within theUnited Kingdom). In embodiments, step 312 is continuously orperiodically performed by the image processor 80 such that select imagecontent shown in an image stream may change dynamically accordingly torules within glyph rules database 86.

In embodiments, the glyph rules database 86 may include rules for atriggering event, wherein when the image processor 80 becomes aware of atriggering event, the image processor will retrieve select image contentfor the determined content identifier 102 at step 312 based oninformation in the glyph rules database 86. By way of example, atriggering event may be a manual signal sent by a viewer of an event tothe image processor 80, wherein the signal indicates that a new displayobject (e.g., 72, 72′) is being highlighted and is considered primeadvertising real estate. Based on rules in the glyph rules database 86,the image processor 80 then changes the select image content to beoverlaid on the new display object.

At step 314, the image processor 80 determines orientation of thedynamic image space (e.g., 70 c). More specifically, the informationimparted by one or more glyphs (e.g., 106 a-106 d) is utilized by theimage processor 80 to determine the orientation of the advertisingspace. In aspects, dynamic image space orientation is determined basedon the orientation of a corner glyph (e.g., 106 a-106 d) and itsdimension lines 108 a, 108 b. For example, if a bottom right cornerglyph 106 c is visible and detected by image processor 80 to be rotated45 degrees clockwise, then the select image content to be overlaidthereon will be rotated 45 degrees clockwise.

At step 316, the image processor 80 identifies characteristics of thecontour mesh 104 of placeholder 100. Conventional contour algorithms andmesh warping tools may be utilized in conjunction with this step of thepresent system.

At step 318, the image processor 80 transforms the select image contentretrieved at step 312 to match the contour and orientation of theplaceholder 100. The image processor 80 may determine a relative heightand wide of an associated dynamic image space (e.g., 70 a, 70 b) usingdimension lines 108 a, 108 b of a respective placeholder (e.g., 100,100′), and therefore, any content to be superimposed thereon. Forexample, one dimension line can be twice the length of the otherdimension line to represent a content image to be superimposed thereonthat is twice as wide as it is tall. The end caps 110 a, 110 b allow theimage processor 80 to determine whether the entire dimension line 108 a,108 b is visible in a video or image frame. Further, the scale marks 112define a factor by which to size select image content relative to thedimension lines 108 a, 108 b. Thus, digital placement of the selectimage content atop each of the glyphs in an image frame, following thecontour meshes, with appropriate twisting, bending and obscuration,yields a realistic final result, even for display objects in motion.

At step 320, the image processor 80 overlays the transformed selectimage content over the placeholder 100 in the image or video frame toproduced one or more embedded image frames (embedded digital imagedata).

At step 322, the processed image or video frames of step 320 arerendered to a viewer, such as through broadcasting video or image datato viewer devices 92-94. In aspects, the image processor 80 employsprocessing techniques of the present invention to live or recorded imagestreams comprising single frames (e.g., digital photograph) or multiplecontinuous frames (e.g., a digital video), augmented reality (e.g.,viewed through a smartphone or headset), or other computer environments,or digital displays (e.g., sports stadium displays). Thus, it can beunderstood that steps 306-320 can be conducted in real time during therecording of image data.

In aspects, one or more image processors 80 are utilized to processvideo or image data captured by an image capture device 90 in a mannerthe yields parallel simultaneous embedded image data streams, whereineach embedded image data stream includes different select image content(e.g., different logos, etc.). Likewise, an image processor 80 of thepresent invention may copy one or more image frames (image recordingdata) before overlaying a transformed image content over the one or moreimage frames at step 320. In this way, multiple streams of images may besimultaneously overlaid with different transformed image content by theimage processor 80 at step 320, resulting in multiple embedded imagestreams that may be broadcast to different viewers.

FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B will now be referenced with respect to an exemplaryscenario, wherein two embedded image data streams are generated toproduce different images during an automobile racing event. In thisscenario, a participant at an event views a race car driver having aracing jacket 72′ with placeholders 100, 100′, as depicted in FIG. 4.Optionally, default content may be incorporated with the placeholders100, 100′ in a manner that conveys sponsorship images or the like to theviewer while also providing the placeholders 100, 100′ for recognitionby the image processor 80. A person looking directly at the jacket 72′would see 100, 100′ and/or default content (in the event the defaultcontent is incorporated in with the placeholder 100). However, if theperson were to view an image of the same jacket 72′ in a stadium displaydevice, the placeholders 100, 100′ of the jacket 72′ would have beendigitally replaced with select image content appropriate for theaudience of the automobile racing event. It should be understood thatthe select image content displayed on the image of the jacket 72′ may bechanged at any time during the automobile racing event. For example, atriggering event may occur that causes the image of the jacket 72′ todisplay different select image content if the wearer of the jacket 72′is identified as the winner of the race. The same person viewing therace live may see yet another version of the jacket image if they choseto view the event from a mobile device. Likewise, another person viewingthe same racing event on their television may see yet another version ofthe jacket image, depicting different select image content.

Advantageously, the present invention enables a sponsor to targetdifferent viewers in different ways in a dynamic manner. By way ofexample, if the exemplary automobile racing event were broadcastsimultaneously in the United States and the United Kingdom, it would beadvantageous for a sponsor to customize the image of the racers jacket72′ depending on the target viewer. In the present scenario, a firstimage 200 (shown in FIG. 6A) broadcast in the United States includeslogos 202 a, 202 b for two brands (e.g., ABC, Y), which are displayedover respective placeholders 100, 100′ (shown in FIG. 3) of the jacket72′. Simultaneously, in a second image 204 broadcast in the UnitedKingdom, logos 206 a, 206 b for the two brands (e.g., ABC′, Z) aredisplayed over respective placeholders 100, 100′ of the jacket 72′. Itcan be understood that the logo 202 a shown in FIG. 6A is associatedwith Unites States' branding while the logo 206 a shown in FIG. 6B isassociated with United Kingdom branding. The manner in which differentbrands are selected for display to different viewers may be accomplishedin a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to aparticular way of matching viewers with sponsors and/or sponsor content.

In the context of sporting events, advantages of the present inventioninclude the ability of freelance athletes to negotiate ad space withmultiple sponsors at different sporting events. Moreover, players may beable to negotiate with multiple sponsors to receive maximum compensationfor branding placement based on their athletic performance.Additionally, the present invention enables a sponsor to purchase manydynamic image spaces (advertising placements), then dynamically movetheir branding around their purchased real estate (e.g., from a firstrace car to a lead race car during a racing event) thereby ensuringmaximal video coverage of their brand.

Advantageously, the dynamic image spaces of the present invention may besuperimposed over existing branding so that audiences physically presentat a live event can visually see the existing affixed branding, whilebroadcast or video recording viewers can see the dynamic advertisingplacement (which may be different for different viewing audiences).Thus, it can be understood that sponsors may choose to change thebranding based on which market the video (e.g., event) is beingbroadcast. For example, if a viewer is watching television in the UnitedStates, the viewer may see a different style or brand or advertisementemblazoned on a player's jersey then a view who is watching televisionin the United Kingdom. This may be beneficial, for example, when atrademark for a company is different in different countries (e.g., theUnited States logo is different from the United Kingdom logo). Ofcourse, it should be appreciated that the placeholder 100 of the presentinvention can be utilized for other forms of advertising then depictedherein, such as flags or banners, or in embodiments outside of theadvertising space.

In embodiments, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, couldoffer to perform the processes described herein. In this case, theservice provider can create, maintain, deploy, support, etc., thecomputer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the inventionfor one or more customers. These customers may be, for example, anybusiness that desired to advertise. In return, the service provider canreceive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and/or feeagreement and/or the service provider can receive payment from the saleof advertising content to one or more third parties.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method for dynamic image content overlay. In thiscase, a computer infrastructure, such as computer system 12 (FIG. 1),can be provided and one or more systems for performing the processes ofthe invention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified,etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, thedeployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installingprogram code on a computing device, such as computer system 12 (as shownin FIG. 1), from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or morecomputing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3) incorporatingand/or modifying one or more existing systems of the computerinfrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to perform theprocesses of the invention.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:analyzing, by a computing device, one or more digital image frames forthe presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays adynamic image space on a display object and includes a contentidentifier and a contour mesh; determining, by the computing device, thecontent identifier; retrieving, by the computing device, select imagecontent based on the content identifier; determining, by the computingdevice, an orientation of the dynamic image space; transforming, by thecomputing device, the select image content to produce transformed imagecontent that matches the contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamicimage space; and replacing, by the computing device, the placeholderwith the transformed image content to produce a set of one or moreembedded image frames.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:mapping the content identifier to the select image content to obtainmapping data; and saving the mapping data in a mapping database.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising recording, by the computingdevice, the one or more digital image frames, wherein the analyzing theone or more digital image frames is performed in real time during therecording.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising visuallyrendering the set of one or more embedded image frames to a viewer. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the orientation of thedynamic image space includes determining an orientation of a cornerglyph of the placeholder.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein theplaceholder includes a plurality of corner glyphs.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising determining a scale of the dynamic imagespace based on dimension lines and scale marks of the corner glyph. 8.The method of claim 1, further comprising: copying, by the computerdevice, the one or more digital image frames to produce a second set ofdigital image frames including a copied placeholder; retrieving, by thecomputing device, second select image content based on the contentidentifier; transforming, by the computer device, the second selectimage content to produce second transformed image content that matchesthe contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic image space; andreplacing, by the computer device, the copied placeholder with thesecond transformed image content to produce a second set of one or moreembedded image frames, wherein the select image content and the secondselect image content are different, resulting in differences between theset of one or more embedded image frames and the second set of one ormore embedded image frames.
 9. A computer program product for dynamicimage content overlay, the computer program product comprising acomputer readable storage medium having program instructions embodiedtherewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device tocause the computing device to: analyze a digital video stream for thepresence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays a dynamicimage space on a display object and includes a content identifier and acontour mesh; determine the content identifier; retrieve select imagecontent from a content database based on the content identifier;determine an orientation of the dynamic image space; transform theselect image content to produce transformed image content that matchesthe contour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic image space; andreplace the placeholder with the transformed image content to produce anembedded digital video stream.
 10. The computer program product of claim9, wherein the program instructions further cause the computing deviceto: map the content identifier to the select image content to obtainmapping data; and save the mapping data in a mapping database.
 11. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, wherein the program instructionsfurther cause the computing device to record the digital video stream,wherein the analyzing the digital video stream is performed in real timeduring the recording.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9,wherein the program instructions further cause the computing device tovisually render the embedded digital video stream to a viewer.
 13. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, wherein the determining theorientation of the dynamic image space includes determining anorientation of a corner glyph of the placeholder.
 14. The computerprogram product of claim 13, wherein the placeholder includes aplurality of corner glyphs.
 15. The computer program product of claim 9,wherein the program instructions further cause the computing device toidentify characteristics of the contour mesh by determining a scale ofthe dynamic image space based on dimension lines and scale marks of theplaceholder.
 16. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein theprogram instructions further cause the computing device to: copy thedigital video stream to produce a second set digital video streamincluding a copied placeholder; retrieve second select image contentbased on the content identifier; transform the second select imagecontent to produce second transformed image content that matches thecontour mesh and the orientation of the dynamic image space; replace thecopied placeholder with the second transformed image content to producea second embedded digital video stream, wherein the select image contentand the second select image content are different, resulting indifferences between the embedded digital video stream and the secondembedded digital video stream.
 17. A system for dynamic image contentoverlay comprising: a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computerreadable storage medium associated with a computing device; programinstructions to record a digital image stream of a moving displayobject, the digital image stream comprises frames; program instructionsto analyze the digital video stream in real time during the recordingfor the presence of a placeholder, wherein the placeholder overlays adynamic image space on the display object and includes a contentidentifier and a contour mesh; program instructions to determine thecontent identifier; program instructions to retrieve select imagecontent from a content database based on the content identifier; programinstructions to determine an orientation of the dynamic image space foreach frame of the digital image stream in which the placeholder ispresent; program instructions to transform the select image content toproduce transformed image content that matches a contour mesh and anorientation of the dynamic image space for each frame of the digitalimage stream in which the placeholder is present; and programinstructions to replace the placeholder with the transformed imagecontent for each frame of the digital image stream in which theplaceholder is present to produce an embedded digital video stream;wherein the program instructions are stored on the computer readablestorage medium for execution by the CPU via the computer readablememory.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the placeholder furtherincludes at least one corner glyph comprising the content identifierbracketed by a first dimension line and a second dimension line, thefirst dimension line and second dimension line intersecting at a rightangle, a first end cap on the first dimension line, a second end cap onthe second dimension line, and one or more scale marks on the firstdimension line, wherein the content identifier is a number.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the program instructions to determine theorientation of the dynamic image space include instructions to determinethe orientation of the at least one corner glyph.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, further comprising program instructions to identifycharacteristics of the contour mesh for each frame of the digital imagestream in which the placeholder is present by determining a scale of thedynamic image space based on the first dimension line, the seconddimension line, and the one or more scale marks of the at least onecorner glyph.